The ASEAN-EU STI Days opened this morning with an echo of sentiment to collaborate in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). The 3 days workshop program will focus on three fundamental societal challenges; health, food security and safety, and water management. Several invited speakers from EU and ASEAN are participating in this event.
Ms. Cristina Russo, Director-General for R&I (DG RTD), EU Commission gave a talk on Horizon 2020 – The new framework program which has a budget of over Euro 70 billion for the year 2014 – 2020. “The new programme for R&I is part of the drive to create economic growth in Europe” said Cristina. “Like many countries experiencing slow economic growth, we see this as an opportunity to increase our networking with strategic research partners which in turn will help us reverse the economic decline”.
NSTDA for its part is fielding many of its researchers as speakers and also exhibiting research highlights in the area of health issues. The Mosquito Flagship Program from NANOTEC is showcasing their research on the development of nanofunctional anti- mosquito student uniform. The aim of this research is to fabricate cost-effective anti-mosquito student uniforms for field test in voluntary school testing sites around pastoral area of Thailand where Dengue fever has been wide spread in recent years. In addition, NANOTEC is also putting forth its research work on anti-mosquito powder and lotion both of which were distributed to flood affected communities during the mega flood of 2011.
L-R: Dr. Pichet, Cristina, Dr. Thaweesak, Ambassador Jesús Miguel SANZ at the press briefing